Do's and Taboos of Public Speaking: How to Get Those Butterflies Flying in Formation [Paperback]

Roger E. Axtell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1992

Develop your powers of public persuasion with the ultimate guide to great speeches and business presentations. Do you get tongue-tied at the mere thought of speaking in public? Would you rather swim with sharks or undergo a tax audit than face an audience? Well, you're not alone. According to the Book of Lists' list of humans' greatest fears, the fear of death is our fourth greatest fear, while fear of public speaking commands a solid first place. Now from Roger E. Axtell, one of America's most accomplished public speakers, here's a book guaranteed to turn even the most stage-shy mumbler into a great communicator. Geared primarily, but not exclusively, for business people, this amusing and informative guide can show you how to possess the powers of public persuasion you've always dreamed of having. Whether it's making a pitch to the board of directors, or prepping the sales force, stating your case to the town council, or being interviewed on live TV, Do's and Taboos of Public Speaking can help you to be an intelligent, articulate, confident, and likable presence in front of any audience you'll ever face.
* Surefire techniques for controlling fear, preparing for and organizing a business presentation or speech, using body language and humor, getting the most out of audio and audio/visual equipment, speaking in front of the camera, and much, much more
* Helpful hints from successful business speakers and such greats as Winston Churchill, Lee Iacocca, Red Barber, Roger Ailes, and Charles Osgood
* Special chapters on humor and roasts, speaking internationally, and even how to become a professional speaker

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

What's our greatest fear? Death? Wrong. It's public speaking and, unfortunately, most people are never prepared to speak in public. Clear, concise tips, insights and anecdotes are included. With over 30 years of active public speaking, the author guides you through the basics and secrets of successful business speeches. Chapters cover toasts and roasts, TV appearances, international speaking, effective use of audio-visual equipment, making audience contact, using humor, and the opportunities that await you should you decide on a career as a professional speaker. Also contains a valuable listing of local and national speaking chapters and associations.

From the Back Cover

Develop your powers of public persuasion with the ultimate guide to great speeches and business presentations… Do you get tongue-tied at the mere thought of speaking in public? Would you rather swim with sharks or undergo a tax audit than face an audience? Well, you’re not alone. According to the Book of Lists’ list of humans’ greatest fears, the fear of death is our fourth greatest fear, while fear of public speaking commands a solid first place. Now from Roger E. Axtell, one of America’s most accomplished public speakers, here’s a book guaranteed to turn even the most stage-shy mumbler into a great communicator. Geared primarily, but not exclusively, for business people, this amusing and informative guide can show you how to possess the powers of public persuasion you’ve always dreamed of having. Whether it’s making a pitch to the board of directors, or prepping the sales force, stating your case to the town council, or being interviewed on live TV, Do’s and Taboos of Public Speaking can help you to be an intelligent, articulate, confident, and likable presence in front of any audience you’ll ever face.

• Surefire techniques for controlling fear, preparing for and organizing a business presentation or speech, using body language and humor, getting the most out of audio and audio/visual equipment, speaking in front of the camera, and much, much more
• Helpful hints from successful business speakers and such greats as Winston Churchill, Lee Iacocca, Red Barber, Roger Ailes, and Charles Osgood
• Special chapters on humor and roasts, speaking internationally, and even how to become a professional speaker

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (July 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471536709
• ISBN-13: 978-0471536703
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,604,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Speakers Do It Here!, July 1, 2009

By 

A. J. Baltes (TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do's and Taboos of Public Speaking: How to Get Those Butterflies Flying in Formation (Paperback)

Allow me to give you an explanation of Chapters to help you make your purchase choice:

Introduction
The introduction gives a detailed break down of this entire book.

Chapter One
This chapter talks about stage fright and three ways to get rid of this "old devil", one of the main ways the author says to get rid of it is with constant practice.

Chapter Two
The authors' main idea in this chapter is organizing your speak for the audience using a formula that includes the 5 Ws method.

Chapter Three
Chapter three is mainly about if the speaker should read off cards or memorize the information. The author tells you that the subject is debatable but you can tell the he prefer you memorize it instead of reading off cards.

Chapter Four
The main topic is nonverbal communication in this chapter and how to make it work to keep the audience eye.

Chapter Five
Chapter five gives you ways to have a sense of humor with the audience and how to do it right so that it appeal to them without offence

Chapter Six
This chapter explains what graphic techniques to use for a presentation and how to be professional doing it.

Chapter Seven
The authors' key point in this chapter is how to behave when appearing on television.

Chapter Eight
Chapter eight talks about handling situations with guest speakers, questions the audience might ask and how to be prepared.

Chapter Nine
This chapter discusses how and what it takes if you want to be a speaker professionally.

Chapter Ten
The author in this chapter tells you some more resources you can go to for more help with public speaking, he even gives you twelve groups in particular.

Chapter Eleven
Chapter Eleven just give you words of wisdom from other public speakers to motivate you even further.
My opinion:
I believe if you are trying to better your speeches in from of an audience then this is a good book to read and over all I would buy this book. I recommend this book to anyone trying to be a public speaker especially.